Vol. 521 No. 6
20 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the studies, if any, carried out to assess and quantify the benefits to the environment arising from farmer participation in the REP scheme, and specifically, through following a prescribed farm nutrient plan and the control of on-farm pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/00]
A comprehensive evaluation of the rural environment protection scheme was submitted to the European Commission in July 1999. This evaluation assessed how the objectives of the scheme have been met, it examined the agricultural, socio-economic and environmental impact of the REPS and it provided practical recommendations for future modifications and improvements to the scheme.
The report concluded that the REP scheme to date has shown measurable environmental impacts on participating farms, and its conclusions were favourably received by the EU Commission.
Independent consultants were engaged to consider the various inputs to the evaluation process and to put together the comprehensive and objective assessment of REPS. Submissions were received from concerned organisations including the Heritage Council, Birdwatch Ireland, Teagasc and the farming organisations. Independent studies were also commissioned on particular measures of the REP scheme under the auspices of Teagasc and the universities.
Participants in REPS are required to follow a nutrient management plan which identifies pollution control facilities on the farm and ensures the efficient use of nutrients in an environmentally friendly manner and sets limits on application rates of fertilisers. The evaluation report found that nutrient management plans are contributing significantly to the REP scheme objective of reducing agriculture's contribution to environmental problems.
The control of farm pollution scheme was specifically examined by my Department's analysis and evaluation unit which was set up under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry 1994-99, OPARDF. The examination took place as part of an evaluation of the environmental effects of the OPARDF, which was completed in August 1999.
